This Salvadoran pupuseria has two locations (College Park and Wheaton), and is one of the region’s cheapest options for masa stuffed with cheese and other ingredients. There are traditional pupusas, like revuelta, as well as nontraditional, including a ham and chees pupusa that’s perfect after a late night at some of the College Park bars. The spot also has a huge menu of other affordable options, from soups to grilled platters.

After being pushed out of its iconic H Street location after decades of business, the fried seafood dinners fortunately are still alive and well in Takoma Park. The neighborhood favorite is best known for its fried whiting and generous seafood dinners, but don’t miss the po’boy, gumbo, and banana pudding.

The owners of El Sol also have an agave-fueled bar that sells regional dishes from different corners of Mexico, including huitlacoche, esquites, tacos, and ceviches ranging from $9 to $13.50 for lunch or dinner. Meanwhile, happy hour tequila and mezcal margaritas are just $6. There’s a location in Alexandria as well.

With locations in NoMa, Arlington, and soon K Street, the excellent Stellina is worth seeking out for its top-value $20 aperitivo deal which includes a drink, 10-inch pizza, an arancini, mozzarella in carrozza, and a basket of chips. Additional drinks are $5. Happy hour is available Tuesday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m.

In addition to offering the best Italian wine selection outside of Italy, this iconic Northeast market/deli serves delicious (and affordable) subs and hot sandwiches like chicken parm that range from $5.99 to $9.55. A. Litteri also serves lasagna, pasta, and soups.

Tucked behind a nondescript metal door in an alleyway, the decades-old Well Dressed Burrito does a ton of business anyway. Assorted variations of the namesake dish at this Dupont Circle grab-and-go standby start at $6.99 a pop. Or go all in on the one-pound “El Gordo” filled with marinated beef for an additional $1.99.

Duke’s Grocery now has three locations in Foggy Bottom, Dupont Circle, and Woodley Park. This British-y menu has a “proper burger” that draws repeat fans and various Best Burger awards. The generous patty comes with mile-high toppings, packed between two brioche buns for $15.

For when nothing but a big, two-handed slice of New York-style pizza will do. This pizzeria also serves impressive garlic knots and a menu of cauliflower crust pies for gluten-free folks.

This standby serves among the region’s best pho. What Pho75 may lack in atmosphere and service it more than makes up for in generous bowls of steaming rice noodle soup, with flavorful broth and fresh toppings.

Pastry chef-turned-restaurateur David Guas has been serving cooked-to-order beignets for almost a decade at his Arlington restaurant and cafe, and he has never changed the price: $3 for an order of three sugar-dusted, New Orleans-style fritters. This New Orleans-themed bake shop also serves solid, affordable sandwiches and breakfasts, like the $8 avocado Benedict.  

The late-night destination for bubbling Asian hot pot also offers a subscribe-and-save “Hot Pot Club” incentive for repeat customers.